Smoking is bad

Smoking is one of the worst things kids or adults can do to their bodies. Yet every single day about 4,000 kids between the ages 12 and 17 start smoking. Most middle school students don't smoke — only about 1 in 10 does. And most high school students don't smoke either — about 1 in 4 does (that means 3 out of 4 don't).

But why do those who smoke ever begin?

There's more than just one simple answer. Some kids may start smoking just because they're curious. Others may like the idea of doing something dangerous — something grownups don't want them to do. Still others might know lots of people who smoke and they might think it's a way to act or look like an adult. Fortunately, fewer people are starting smoking than a few years ago.

Maybe that's because more and more people have learned that smoking and tobacco use can cause cancer and heart disease. But sometimes kids can't really think that far into the future to worry about an illness they might not get for many years.

So let's talk about the problems that might affect kids more quickly:

• bad breath
• yellow teeth
• smelly clothes
• more colds and coughs
• difficulty keeping up with friends when playing sports
• empty wallet — cigarettes and tobacco products are very expensive!

Let's find out more about cigarettes and tobacco.

What Are Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco?

Tobacco (say: tuh-ba-ko) is a plant that can be smoked in cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. It's the same plant that's in smokeless tobacco, known as dip, chew, snuff, spit, or chewing tobacco. Smokeless tobacco is not lit or inhaled like tobacco in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Instead, smokeless tobacco is put between the lip and gum and sucked on inside the mouth.

Tobacco contains nicotine (say: nih-kuh-teen), a chemical that causes a tingly or pleasant feeling — but that feeling only lasts for a little while. Nicotine is also addictive (say: uh-dik-tiv). That means that if you start to use nicotine, your body and mind will become so used to it that you'll need to have it just to feel OK.

Anyone who starts smoking could become addicted to it. If you're addicted to something, it's very hard to stop doing it, even if you want to. Some kids get addicted right away. And adults are often addicted, which is why so many of them have a hard time quitting smoking.

Why Is It So Bad for You?

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco kill hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. You know those rubber bracelets that were created to bring attention to different causes? The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids created a red one with the number 1,200 on it. Why 1,200? That's the number of people who die each day due to smoking.

The nicotine and other poisonous chemicals in tobacco cause lots of diseases, like heart problems and some kinds of cancer. If you smoke, you hurt your lungs and heart each time you light up. It also can make it more difficult for blood to move around in the body, so smokers may feel tired and cranky. The longer you smoke, the worse the damage becomes.

The Other Cost of Smoking

Using tobacco eats up a lot of money, too. A pack of cigarettes costs $4.50, on average. That means, even if you buy just one pack a week, you'll spend $234 in a year. Some people smoke a pack a day, which adds up to $1,642! That's a lot of CDs, computer games, and clothes you could buy instead.

What's It Like?

Usually, people don't like smoking or chewing tobacco at first. Your body is smart, and it knows when it's being poisoned. When people try smoking for the first time, they often cough a lot and feel pain or burning in their throat and lungs. This is your lungs' way of trying to protect you and tell you to keep them smoke free. Also, many people say that they feel sick to their stomachs or even throw up. If someone accidentally swallows chewing tobacco, they may be sick for hours. Yuck.

What if My Friend Smokes?

If you have friends who smoke or use tobacco, you can help them by encouraging them to quit. Here are some reasons you can mention:

• It will hurt their health.
• It will make their breath stinky.
• It will turn their teeth yellow.
• It will give them less endurance when running or playing sports.
• It's expensive.
• It's illegal to buy cigarettes when you're underage.

If you think it will help, you could print out articles like this one to give to a friend who smokes. He or she may be interested in learning more about the dangers of smoking. But people don't like to hear that they're doing something wrong, so your pal also could be a little angry. If that happens, don't push it too much. In time, your friend may realize you are right.

In the meantime, it could help to talk with a parent or a school counselor if you're worried about your friend. When your friend is ready, a grown-up can help him or her quit for good. If your friend decides to quit, lend your support. You might say it's time to kick some butts!

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Overweight

Your weight has been important since the moment you were born. Maybe you even know what your birth weight was. Most babies weigh less than 10 pounds and sometimes as little as 3 or 4 pounds. But very quickly, a young baby gains weight and everyone is glad about that because it means the child is growing bigger and stronger.

As you get older, your weight is still important. It's something your parents and doctor will probably keep an eye on. When you go for a checkup, the doctor often will record your height and weight and compare it with what it was the last time you came in. The doctor wants to check that you are a healthy weight because weighing too much — or too little — can be a problem. But these days, being overweight is more common than being underweight.

In the last 30 years, a growing number of kids and teenagers have developed weight problems. Today, 1 out of 3 kids and teens between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight or obese, which is a word that means very overweight. Many grown-ups understand what it's like to have weight problems. More than half of adults are overweight or obese.

For kids and adults, weighing too much can lead to illnesses and health problems. And a kid who is overweight might get teased or find it hard to keep up with friends on the playground.

What Does It Mean to Be Overweight?

When people talk about being overweight they mean that someone has more body fat than is healthy. Everyone has some body fat, but when someone has excess fat, it can affect the person's health and ability to walk, run, and get around. It also affects the way they look and may cause them to be bigger and rounder than other people.

How Is It Measured?

Someone can be overweight, underweight, or at an ideal weight. There is no one perfect weight for a kid to be, but there are ideal weight ranges for kids based on height and whether the person is a girl or a boy. Though healthy kids can weigh more or less, a good weight range is about 50 to 70 pounds (about 23 to 32 kilograms) for a kid who's 8 years old.

But being overweight is more than a number on the scale. A doctor is a good person to make a judgment about a kid's weight. The doctor can look at a kid's ideal weight range while also taking the kid's height into account. A taller kid naturally could weigh more than a shorter kid and not be overweight. Perhaps the best way to determine if a kid is overweight is to use something called body mass index, or BMI.

BMI uses a kid's height and weight in a calculation that results in a number. That number can be plotted on a chart that also considers the kid's age and if the kid is a girl or boy. BMI is an indicator of how much body fat the person has, but it's only an estimate. Because muscle weighs more than fat, it's possible for a muscular person to have a high BMI, but that doesn't mean he or she is overweight. Likewise, it's possible for someone to have a low or ideal BMI but still have too much body fat.

You can figure out your own BMI if you know your weight and your height. Just use this calculator:

Why Do People Become Overweight?

Most of the time, people become overweight because the body gets more calories (from foods and drinks) than it burns through physical activity, such as playing soccer or walking to school. Extra calories are stored as fat. The more extra calories a person consumes, the more fat is stored.

This happens very easily in modern life. People spend more time in front of TVs or computers and less time exercising. We drive everywhere instead of walking or riding bikes. Fewer schools offer gym classes; more kids play video games than active ones like dodgeball. Even grown-ups spend more time sitting at desks and in cars than they once did. People also lead busier lives so they have less time to cook healthy meals. We eat more restaurant meals and ready-made food from a box.

Being overweight also can run in families, but don't let that discourage you from making changes that could help you reach a healthy weight. Your habits — what kind of food you eat and how much you exercise — can make a big difference. The biggest problem for most people is not getting enough activity and exercise.

What Can Being Overweight Do to Your Health?

It's hard to feel good when your body has too much weight to carry. Being overweight can make it harder to breathe and sleep. It can make a person feel tired and cause aches or pains. Being overweight also can make you embarrassed, sad, or even angry. And when people feel bad, they may eat more because food can be comforting. This isn't a good idea, especially if the person is already overweight.

Getting help is important because being overweight can make you sick. Overweight kids have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes. And later in life, an overweight person has a higher risk of getting heart disease.

How Can You Keep From Becoming Overweight?

The best way to stay at a healthy weight is to be active. You can join a sports team. Or, if you don't like team sports, try swimming, tennis, martial arts, or just being active in your own backyard. Jumping rope, dancing, and walking will get your heart pumping. Getting some extra exercise can be as easy as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking instead of having your parents drive you. Being active also means watching less TV and playing fewer video games.

Eating healthy is another part of staying fit. Aim to eat a variety of foods and get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Choose water and low-fat milk over soda and other sugary drinks. No food is off limits, but try eating smaller portions of high-calorie and high-fat foods.

What Should You Do if You Think You Are Overweight?

Talking to a parent is the best first step if you are concerned about your weight. Your mom or dad can make a doctor's appointment for you. The doctor may suggest ways of changing your eating and exercise habits. In general, kids don't need to diet. But a kid who is very overweight may need some expert help from a dietitian or a doctor who specializes in weight management. Together, you'll be able to come up with a safe and healthy plan that should include eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly.

What if Someone You Know Is Overweight?

If you have a friend or relative who is overweight, remember to be kind. He or she is probably well aware of the problem. Jokes or teasing will make the person feel worse. Try to be encouraging instead by getting exercise together and sharing what you know about eating healthy foods. Do that and you will both like what you see when you look into the mirror!

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Brain

In fact, your brain is the boss of your body. It runs the show and controls just about everything you do, even when you're asleep. Not bad for something that looks like a big, wrinkly, gray sponge.

Your brain has many different parts that work together. We're going to talk about these five parts, which are key players on the brain team:

1. cerebrum (say: suh-ree-brum)
2. cerebellum (say: sair-uh-bell-um)
3. brain stem
4. pituitary gland (say: puh-too-uh-ter-ee gland)
5. hypothalamus (say: hy-po-thal-uh-mus)

The Biggest Part: the Cerebrum

The biggest part of the brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum makes up 85% of the brain's weight, and it's easy to see why. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles — the ones that move when you want them to. So you can't dance — or kick a soccer ball — without your cerebrum.

When you're thinking hard, you're using your cerebrum. You need it to solve math problems, figure out a video game, and draw a picture. Your memory lives in the cerebrum — both short-term memory (what you ate for dinner last night) and long-term memory (the name of that roller-coaster you rode on two summers ago). The cerebrum also helps you reason, like when you figure out that you'd better do your homework now because your mom is taking you to a movie later.

The cerebrum has two halves, with one on either side of the head. Some scientists think that the right half helps you think about abstract things like music, colors, and shapes. The left half is said to be more analytical, helping you with math, logic, and speech. Scientists do know for sure that the right half of the cerebrum controls the left side of your body, and the left half controls the right side.

The Cerebellum's Balancing Act

Next up is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum. It's a lot smaller than the cerebrum at only 1/8 of its size. But it's a very important part of the brain. It controls balance, movement, and coordination (how your muscles work together). Because of your cerebellum, you can stand upright, keep your balance, and move around. Think about a surfer riding the waves on his board. What does he need most to stay balanced? The best surfboard? The coolest wetsuit? Nope — he needs his cerebellum!

Brain Stem Keeps You Breathing — and More

Another brain part that's small but mighty is the brain stem. The brain stem sits beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum. It connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord, which runs down your neck and back. The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood.

Part of the brain stem's job is to control your involuntary muscles — the ones that work automatically, without you even thinking about it. There are involuntary muscles in the heart and stomach, and it's the brain stem that tells your heart to pump more blood when you're biking or your stomach to start digesting your lunch. The brain stem also sorts through the millions of messages that the brain and the rest of the body send back and forth. Whew! It's a big job being the brain's secretary!

Pituitary Gland Controls Growth

The pituitary gland is very small — only about the size of a pea! Its job is to produce and release hormones into your body. If your clothes from last year are too small, it's because your pituitary gland released special hormones that made you grow. This gland is a big player in puberty too. This is the time when boys' and girls' bodies go through major changes as they slowly become men and women, all thanks to hormones released by the pituitary gland.

This little gland also plays a role with lots of other hormones, like ones that control the amount of sugars and water in your body. And it helps keep your metabolism (say: muh-ta-buh-lih-zum) going. Your metabolism is everything that goes on in your body to keep it alive and growing and supplied with energy, like breathing, digesting food, and moving your blood around.

Hypothalamus Controls Temperature

The hypothalamus is like your brain's inner thermostat (that little box on the wall that controls the heat in your house). The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should be (about 98.6° Fahrenheit or 37° Celsius). If your body is too hot, the hypothalamus tells it to sweat. If you're too cold, the hypothalamus gets you shivering. Both shivering and sweating are attempts to get your body's temperature back where it needs to be.

You Have Some Nerve!

So the brain is boss, but it can't do it alone. It needs some nerves — actually a lot of them. And it needs the spinal cord, which is a long bundle of nerves inside your spinal column, the vertebrae that protect it. It's the spinal cord and nerves — known as the nervous system — that let messages flow back and forth between the brain and body.

If a spiky cactus falls off a shelf headed right for your best friend, your nerves and brain communicate so that you jump up and yell for your friend to get out of the way. If you're really good, maybe you're able to catch the plant before it hits your friend!

But you might wonder about these nerves, which you can't see without a microscope. What are they anyway? The nervous system is made up of millions and millions of neurons (say: nur-onz), which are microscopic cells. Each neuron has tiny branches coming off it that let it connect to many other neurons.

When you were born, your brain came with all the neurons it will ever have, but many of them were not connected to each other. When you learn things, the messages travel from one neuron to another, over and over. Eventually, the brain starts to create connections (or pathways) between the neurons, so things become easier and you can do them better and better.

Think back to the first time you rode a bike. Your brain had to think about pedaling, staying balanced, steering with the handlebars, watching the road, and maybe even hitting the brakes — all at once. Hard work, right? But eventually, as you got more practice, the neurons sent messages back and forth until a pathway was created in your brain. Now you can ride your bike without thinking about it because the neurons have successfully created a "bike riding" pathway.

Emotion Location

With all the other things it does, is it any surprise that the brain runs your emotions? Maybe you got the exact toy you wanted for your birthday and you were really happy. Or your friend is sick and you feel sad. Or your little brother messed up your room, so you're really angry! Where do those feelings come from? Your brain, of course.

Your brain has a little bunch of cells on each side called the amygdala (say: uh-mig-duh-luh). The word amygdala is Latin for almond, and that's what this area looks like. Scientists believe that the amygdala is responsible for emotion. It's normal to feel all different kinds of emotions, good and bad. Sometimes you might feel a little sad, and other times you might feel scared, or silly, or glad.

Be Good to Your Brain

So what can you do for your brain? Plenty.

• Eat healthy foods. They contain potassium and calcium, two minerals that are important for the nervous system.
• Get a lot of playtime (exercise).
• Wear a helmet when you ride your bike or play other sports that require head protection.
• Don't drink alcohol, take drugs, or use tobacco.
• Use your brain by doing challenging activities, such as puzzles, reading, playing music, making art, or anything else that gives your brain a workout!

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Glasses

do some people need glasses and others don't? Everyone's eyes are a little different - not just the color, but the way they work and how well they see. Sometimes all the parts of the eye don't work together the way they should. But eyeglasses or contact lenses, also called corrective lenses, can help most people see more clearly.

How Eyes Work

The eyeball includes the cornea (say: kor-nee-uh), clear tissue that helps the eye focus; the iris, the colored part; the pupil, which lets light into the eye; and the retina, at the very back of the eye. When all of the eyes' parts are working properly, a kid doesn't have vision problems. You can see because your eyes capture an image and send that image to your brain, where it can be interpreted. For instance, if there's an elephant in front of you, almost instantly, your brain says, "Hey, that's an elephant."

Your eyes need to bend light rays so the image can be focused sharply on your retina. The better your retina records the image, the more likely that your brain will interpret the image, and the more likely you will see the image clearly.

Refracting is a big word that means bending light rays. If a person has vision trouble, it's often a refractive problem. Glasses or contact lenses work so well because they can correct refractive problems. In other words, they bend the light rays in a way that lets you see more clearly. Laser surgery also can correct some vision problems, but it's not recommended for kids because they're still growing.

Nearsighted and Farsighted - Which Is Which?

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are common refractive problems. It's easy to get the two confused.

Nearsighted means the person can see stuff that's near, like a book, but has trouble seeing stuff that's far away.

Farsighted means the person can see stuff that's far away, but has trouble seeing up close, like reading the print in a book.

In both cases, the image is not properly focused on the retina. With nearsightedness, the image becomes focused in front of the retina. With farsightedness, the image is focused behind the retina. The shape of a person's eyeballs also can cause refractive problems.

Another refractive problem is called astigmatism (say: uh-stig-muh-tih-zum). This means that the cornea is an uneven shape, and it bends the light in different directions. This can distort what a person sees and make things look blurry.

Glasses or contact lenses correct vision because they allow the eye to focus light in the right spot on the retina - the spot that produces the clearest image. Because everyone's eyes are different, a pair of glasses that makes one person see wonderfully may look terribly blurry to another person. You know this if you've ever tried on someone else's glasses!

If you need glasses or contact lenses, your doctor will write down your prescription. In this case, a prescription doesn't mean medicine you'll pick up at the drugstore. A vision prescription is a piece of paper with numbers on it. The people who will make your glasses for you need these numbers to create lenses that will correct the way your eye bends light. Remember, the target is right in the center of the retina.

Eye Exams

If you're having trouble with your vision, your mom or dad can take you for an eye exam. This might happen as part of your regular checkup at the doctor. But you need to see a vision specialist if your parents or your doctor think you might need glasses.

You might see an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or an optician. What's the difference? An ophthalmologist is a doctor trained to treat vision problems who may also do eye surgery.

An optometrist is a licensed professional who specializes in eye exams and in figuring out the right prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Opticians make or sell eyeglasses and contact lenses according to an ophthalmologist's or optometrist's prescription.

At your eye exam, you'll probably be asked to read from an eye chart. This is the chart with letters in different sizes. You also might be asked to look at some text up close, like reading from a book. These tests measure how well you see from close and from far away.

If you need glasses or contact lenses, there's a special gizmo that lets you try a few different prescriptions until you find the one that gives you the clearest vision. It's kind of like a big pair of glasses, but a bunch of different lenses can be switched in and out really quickly.

The person doing your eye exam may switch between two different lenses and say, "Like this or like this?" You'll have to say which one looks clearest. If you're not sure, say so. Remember, the idea is that you get the right prescription so your vision will be top-notch!

The Fun Part

If you're going to get glasses, it's time to pick frames. It can be fun to try these on. Choose ones that are comfortable and sturdy. But also make sure you like them - you'll be wearing them a lot! The lenses themselves can be made of different materials, such as safety glass and plastic (polycarbonate).

Glass tends to be heavy and it can shatter. Plastic scratches easily, but it's often the best choice for kids. If you play sports, you may want to ask about eyewear you can wear on the field.

With glasses, you'll also want to find out how to clean them properly. And it helps if you have a glasses case and put them in it when you're not wearing them. The last thing you want is to sit on your new glasses. Crunch!

If you're going to get contact lenses, you'll get some advice from the ophthalmologist or optician about which kind will be best for you. Some are disposable and others need to be cleaned. When you learn which type you're going to get, you can start becoming an expert in how to wear them safely and keeping them clean.

But the really fun part of new glasses or contact lenses is how well you can see. They can make your whole world look better!

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Stomachache

You wake up in the middle of the night with stomach cramps, clutch a pillow and curl your body around it. That helps a little and you go back to sleep. But in the morning, the pain is still there. "Ouch, I have a stomachache!" you tell your mom or dad.

That's when the questions begin: Do you feel like you're going to throw up? Has it been hard for you to go to the bathroom lately? Did you have diarrhea in the night? Does it hurt anywhere else? Does it hurt so much you can't stand up? Are you worried about anything at school? Your mom or dad asks all these questions because lots of different things could cause pain in your belly or abdomen.

Keep reading to find out what belly pain is, what causes it, and what you can do to feel better.

All About the Abdomen

When you get a pain in your stomach, it might be an actual problem right in your stomach, but not necessarily. Your abdomen is more than your stomach. It's more than your intestines. It's the whole area between your chest and your pelvic (hip) bones.

Inside your abdomen, you have your stomach and your intestines, along with lots of other organs: bladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and adrenal glands. If you're a girl, your abdomen also includes your uterus and ovaries.

All of these organs aren't just bouncing around all over the place inside you — they're held together inside you by a bag-like membrane called your peritoneum (say: per-uh-tun-ee-um). This two-layered membrane also separates these organs from your outer abdominal muscles. Three layers of muscles — front, back, and side — support this "case" of organs and protect them.

Types of Tummy Troubles

A kid might feel belly pain many reasons, including:

• Constipation is one of the most common reasons for abdominal pain. If you haven't had a bowel movement (poop) for a while or if it hurts to go to the bathroom or your bowel movements are hard, you are probably constipated.
• Diarrhea is often caused by an infection that some people call "the stomach flu." Doctors call this type of diarrhea/infection gastroenteritis. When you have diarrhea — runny, watery bowel movements — you may also feel sick to your stomach.
• Vomiting. Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up can also be linked to gastroenteritis. The pain is one way your body tells you to stay near a bathroom!
• An infection someplace else in your body may cause belly pain, too. A sore throat, pneumonia, an ear infection, or a cough can sometimes cause tummy trouble as well.
• Food. Some kids get abdominal pain because they ate too much of something, ate a food that was too spicy or greasy, ate a food they have an allergy to, or ate food that sat around in the fridge for too long and went bad. The pain is the body's way of telling you that your stomach and intestines are having a tough job breaking down or digesting this food. For example, some people have lactose intolerance, which means they have a tough time digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. Whatever the cause, funky foods can quickly make your tummy feel funky!
• Appendicitis or other painful problems. If the pain starts by your belly button and then moves to the lower right side of your abdomen, it might be appendicitis. Fever or vomiting, along with pain that gets worse and worse and a loss of appetite, can also be signs of appendicitis.
• Severe pain also can be caused by a urinary tract infection or a blocked intestine. Infection by bacteria or a parasite, heartburn, irritable bowel disease, or inflammatory bowel disease also can cause abdominal pain.
• Stress. Many, many kids (and adults, too) have a "nervous stomach" when they are worried or stressed.

A Pain in the Brain

If there is no physical reason for you to have abdominal pain, the pain in your gut may really be a pain in your brain. If you're stressed about something, you can get sharp pains in your stomach. Lots of kids do!

If you think this is happening to you, sit down with someone you trust and talk about what's going on in your life. Are you worried about a bully at school? Are your parents fighting a lot? Did you do something you wish you hadn't? Are you worried that you won't get good grades? Talk it out. Many times, stressful worries become less stressful when they're out in the open — instead of inside your stomach.

When you talk, make sure you find out what you can do about having less stress in your life so you can get rid of that painful nervous stomach.

Bye-Bye, Bellyaches

Your doctor will first ask you some questions, examine you, and maybe do some tests. Your doctor may suggest you take some medicine, or he or she might give you special instructions for eating to help your body heal the bellyache.

If the doctor suspects you might have appendicitis, he or she may want to take a small sample of your blood and have it tested. Or, the doctor may ask you to have an X-ray or an ultrasound. These tests give the doctor more information about what's going on inside you. If it turns out that you have appendicitis, you will need an operation called an appendectomy.

If stress seems to be causing your stomach problems, your doctor may recommend a specialist, such as a psychologist. These experts can help kids figure out the source of the stress and help them come up with some ideas for how to fix the problems or handle them better.

If you'd like to prevent bellyaches, here are some good tips to follow:

• Don't overeat.
• Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, so your bowel movements are regular.
• Wash your hands before eating.
• Don't eat right before bedtime.
• Get lots of sleep so your body doesn't get run down.

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Alcohol is dangerous

"Hey, who wants a drink?" "Oh come on, just one drink won't hurt you. It's fun." "It's cool. Everybody drinks, right?"

Wrong.

Drinking alcohol is dangerous for kids and teens and sometimes for adults, too. Alcohol is a drug, and it is the drug most abused by teens. Many kids have their first drink at an early age, as young as 10 or 11 or even younger.

They may have seen their parents drink or cool ads for beer and wine. It's easy for a kid to get the wrong message about alcohol. In TV commercials, drinking looks like a lot of fun. You might see people drinking and watching sports together or having a big party.

But alcohol is actually a depressant. That means it's a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. Like many drugs, alcohol changes a person's ability to think, speak, and see things as they really are. A person might lose his or her balance and have trouble walking properly. The person might feel relaxed and happy and later start crying or get in an argument.

What Happens When People Drink?

When people drink too much, they might do or say things they don't mean. They might hurt themselves or other people, especially if they drive a car. Someone who drinks too much also might throw up and could wake up the next day feeling awful - that's called a hangover. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill a person. Over time, someone who abuses alcohol can do serious damage to his or her body. The liver, which removes poisons from the blood, is especially at risk.

Because alcohol can cause such problems, the citizens and government leaders in this country have decided that kids shouldn't be allowed to buy or use alcohol. By setting the drinking age at 21, they hope older people will be able to make good decisions about alcohol. For instance, they don't want people to drink alcohol and drive cars because that's how many accidents occur.

What Is Alcoholism?

What can be confusing about alcohol is that some grown-ups seem to be able to enjoy it occasionally with no problems. Other people, though, can become alcoholics (say: al-kuh-ha-liks). An alcoholic is someone whose mind and body crave alcohol. The person has little control over his or her drinking and can't stop without help. A person who starts drinking alcohol at a young age is more likely to become an alcoholic.

Alcoholism is chronic, which means it continues over time. It often gets worse, too, because the person may start experiencing health problems related to drinking. In addition to causing liver problems, long-term drinking can damage the pancreas, heart, and brain.

Say No

It can be tempting to try alcohol. It's normal to be curious about new things, especially if it seems like everyone is doing it. But everyone is not drinking alcohol. Don't believe it if someone says you're immature for not drinking. You're actually more mature (which means grown up) because you're being strong and smart.

Still, it can be hard if you feel unpopular because of your decision. Good friends won't stop being your friend just because you don't want to drink alcohol. If you feel this kind of pressure, talk to someone you trust.

And if you're concerned about a friend who's drinking, you should tell one of your parents, a school counselor, or another trusted adult. That way, someone can talk with your friend before the alcohol causes a big problem. Unfortunately, some kids who drink may also drop out of school, get in car accidents, start fights, or join in crimes.

But with help, anyone who has a problem with alcohol can be successful at stopping. And if you're still a kid, help yourself by not starting in the first place!

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argh.....Acne

Acne (say: ak-nee) - also known as pimples or zits - is a totally normal part of growing up. Kids get acne because of changes that occur during puberty, the time when kids' bodies begin the many changes that turn them into adults.

When you got your first pimple, you probably took off running to ask your parent, older brother or sister, or friend what you should do. But before you take their advice and pop that pimple, you should know that there's a lot of information about acne out there that's just plain wrong. Let's clear up some common myths about acne - and maybe even your skin in the process!

Myth #1: Popping your pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

Fact: Step away from that mirror! Some people might tell you that popping your zits will make them less noticeable and help them heal faster, but they're wrong. Picking or popping your pimples pushes germs further under your skin, which could cause more redness, pain, and maybe even a nasty infection. And popping zits can lead to scarring, which could last forever.

If pimples always seem to show up at the wrong time, like before a big event such as a dance, talk to your parent about paying a visit to your doctor or a doctor who specializes in treating acne called a dermatologist (say: der-muh-tah-luh-jist). A doctor can help get your acne under control.

Myth #2: Eating fried foods or chocolate can cause acne.

Fact: Nope - that candy bar you had last night or that slice of pizza at last week's sleepover isn't responsible for the pimple that showed up on your face today. What you eat isn't the cause of acne, but that doesn't mean you should pig out on food that isn't very nutritious. Eating a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, will make you feel good and keep the rest of your body healthy and strong.

Myth #3: Stress causes acne.

Fact: Are you worried that the big test tomorrow or that next week's championship game will cause your skin to break out? Don't worry - the normal everyday stress of being a kid doesn't cause acne. If you're going through an especially stressful period in your life - such as moving to a new house or dealing with your parents' divorce - your skin may produce more oil, also known as sebum (say: see-bum), but that doesn't mean you'll get more zits.

Myth #4: Getting a tan clears up acne.

Fact: Baking in the sun does nothing to improve your acne. When you spend time outside and your skin becomes darker, the redness caused by acne may be less noticeable for a little while. But when your tan fades, you'll still see your zits. And spending time in the sun without the proper protection can cause dry, irritated, or burned skin - not to mention it increases your risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer later in life.

Before you head outdoors, protect your skin with a sunscreen that contains a sun protection factor (on the label it'll say SPF) of at least 15. Use a brand that's marked "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic," which means it won't clog your pores and worsen acne. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunglasses when you're outside to keep your skin in top shape. And if you ever wondered about tanning beds, here are the facts - they're boring, expensive, and dangerous because they increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Myth #5: You can get rid of acne by washing your face more.

Fact: Washing your face regularly is a good idea because it helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin's surface. But overwashing or scrubbing your skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin, which only makes acne worse.

What's the best skin care strategy? As a general rule, gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. After you've finished washing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Steer clear of exfoliants or scrubs, which can irritate your pimples. Also avoid products that contain alcohol because they can dry out and irritate your skin.

Myth #6: If you want to avoid acne, don't wear makeup.

Fact: Young skin looks great without makeup. But if you like cosmetics, be sure to choose products that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic." That means the product won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. Some cosmetics even contain acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. If you are not sure, ask your parent or doctor.

Myth #7: If you keep breaking out, using more medicine will get your zits under control.

Fact: Do you know the saying "less is more"? It definitely applies to acne medication. Using too much medicine to zap zits can lead to dry, irritated skin. Whether you bought an acne product at your local drugstore or you are using something prescribed by a doctor, be sure to follow the directions carefully.

If over-the-counter medicine isn't helping your acne problem, talk to your parent. You may need to see your doctor or a dermatologist, who may prescribe other medications to help clear up your skin.

It can take as long as 8 weeks before you notice an improvement. If you don't, talk to your doctor who will make the right adjustments for you. Don't use extra medication on your own, though - using more medicine than prescribed can cause unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Almost all kids and teens have to deal with acne at some point - but the good news is that with the right facts and the proper acne treatment, you can help your skin and put your best face forward!

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Fat

Fat is a component in food. Some foods, including most fruits and vegetables, have almost no fat. Other foods have plenty of fat. They include nuts, oils, butter, and meats like beef.

The name — fat — may make it sound like something you shouldn't eat. But fat is an important part of a healthy diet. And little kids, especially, need a certain amount of fat in their diets so the brain and nervous system develop correctly. That's why toddlers need to drink whole milk, which has more fat, and older kids can drink low-fat or skim milk.

How much fat should you eat? Experts say kids older than 2 should get about 30% of their daily calories from fat. Here's how that works. Every day, you eat a certain amount of calories. For instance, some kids will eat 2,000 calories in a day. If 30% of 2,000 calories comes from fat, that means that 600 calories will come from fat. You can look at a food label to learn how many grams of fat are in a serving of a food. Labels also list the total calories from fat.

One way to reach this goal is to eat foods that are about 30% fat. But few foods contain exactly 30% fat. Instead, you can eat a mix of foods — some with higher percentages of fat and some with lower percentages — so that you still meet that goal of 30% of calories from fat.

Here's a sample menu to help you reach that goal. It includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk, and an apple. The peanut butter is high in fat, but it's a nutritious food and the overall total from the whole meal is about 30% from fat.

• Two slices of bread = 13% fat (30 of 230 calories from fat)
• Two tablespoons of peanut butter = 75% fat (140 of 190 calories from fat)
• One tablespoon of jelly = 0% fat (0 of 50 calories from fat)
• One cup of 1% milk = 18 % (20 of 110 calories from fat)
• Apple = 0% (0 of 80 calories from fat)

Total = 29% fat (190 of 660 calories from fat)

But you don't have to carry a calculator with you all time. With help from parents and other adults, you can learn to eat in this balanced way without stressing over each gram of fat.

Types of Fat

You might see ads for foods that say they're "low-fat" or "fat-free." Lower-fat diets have been recommended for health and to help people lose weight. But nutrition experts are finding that fats are more complicated and that some kinds of fat are actually good for your health. As a bonus, fat in food helps people feel satisfied, so they don't eat as much.

But that doesn't mean a high-fat diet will be good for you. And some fats are better than others. Here are the three major types:

Unsaturated fats: These are found in plant foods and fish. These may be good for heart health. The best of the unsaturated fats are found in olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, albacore tuna, and salmon.

Saturated fats: These fats are found in meat and other animal products, such as butter, cheese, and all milk except skim. Saturated fats are also in palm and coconut oils, which are often used in commercial baked goods (the kind you buy at the store). Eating too much saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Trans fats: These fats are found in margarine, especially the sticks. Trans fats are also found in certain foods that you buy at the store or in a restaurant, such as snack foods, baked goods, and fried foods. When you see "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oils on an ingredient list, the food contains trans fats. Trans fats are also listed on the food label. Like saturated fats, trans fats can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Why Do We Need Fat?

Dietary fat helps a kid's body grow and develop like it should. Fats fuel the body and help absorb some vitamins. They also are the building blocks of hormones and they insulate nervous system tissue in the body.

So fat is not the enemy, but you'll want to choose the right amount — and the right kind — of fat. If you're getting most of your fat from lean meats, fish, and heart-healthy oils, you've already made fat your friend!

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Nose Bleeding

Most nosebleeds look worse than they are. In other words, nosebleeds are messy, a little uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary, but they are usually no big deal.

Kids can get nosebleeds once in a while or more often. The nosebleeds that are most common in kids usually occur near the front of the nose, on the wall separating the two sides of the nose (the septum), and usually start from just one nostril. Sometimes nosebleeds start further back in the nose, but this is rare and occurs mostly in older people or those who have high blood pressure or injuries to their nose or face.

What Causes Nosebleeds?

Most nosebleeds occur when little blood vessels that line the inside of your nose break and bleed. These blood vessels are very fragile and lie very close to the surface, which makes them easy targets for injury. Common reasons are:

• nose picking or sticking something up the nose
• a cold or allergy, especially with sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing
• dry, heated, indoor air (often occurring during winter), which causes the inside of the nose to become cracked, crusted, and itchy

Less often, injuries to the outside of the nose, face, or head can cause nosebleeds. If this happens, you need to see a doctor right away. You can help prevent these types of nosebleeds by wearing protective gear, such as helmets for hockey, football, and baseball.

If You Get Nosebleeds

You know that you should see a doctor if your nosebleed was caused by an injury, such as a punch. But what if it just starts bleeding on its own? Follow these steps:

• Don't lie down. Sit up or stand.
• Use tissues or a damp washcloth to catch the blood.
• Tip your head forward (don't lean your head back; this can make blood run down your throat).
• Pinch the soft part of your nose together (just below the bony part of your nose) and breathe through your mouth. Do this for 10 minutes. Make sure you hold the pressure for 10 minutes without stopping.
• Do not pick, rub, or blow your nose — this can cause your nose to bleed more.
• Ask a friend or parent to keep an eye on the time so that you keep pinching your nose for the full 10 minutes. If your nosebleed doesn't stop, pinch it for another 10 minutes. If it still hasn't stopped, your mom, dad, or another adult should speak with a doctor.

Here are some other cases when you need to see the doctor or visit the emergency department:

• You feel dizzy, weak, or faint.
• Your nose is bleeding fast or you seem to be losing a lot of blood.
• You just started taking a new medicine.
• You have other symptoms, such as unusual bruising all over your body.

Nixing Nosebleeds

If you'd like to get fewer nosebleeds, what can you do? Well, don't pick your nose or stick anything else up your nose. Also, avoid blowing your nose too forcefully and if you have nasal allergies, see a doctor about them. If you get your allergies under control, your nose probably won't be as stuffy and irritated.

When the inside of your nose feels dry and itchy, it can be tempting to pick it, so talk to your mom or dad about using one or two of these strategies to keep it moist:

• Use a saline (saltwater) nasal spray or saline nose drops two or three times a day.
• Place a small amount of a water-based gel (not Vaseline) on the end of a cotton swab. Carefully insert the swab into the nostril and gently apply the gel to the center wall of nose. Never insert the swab further than the cotton tip. Using your fingertip to apply the gel works well, too.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom. Humidifiers send a fine mist of water into the air and this keeps the air from being too dry. When the air is damp your nose is less likely to feel dry inside. In fact, one doctor said a humidifier is "like a vacation for your nose"!

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Chickenpox

You haven't been feeling so great for the last few days, and you've had a runny nose and a cough. Then one morning you wake up and stumble into the bathroom. You look in the mirror with blurry eyes and — yikes! You have chickenpox!

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. People who get the virus often develop a rash of spots that look like blisters all over their bodies. The blisters are small and sit on an area of red skin that can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime.

You've probably heard that chickenpox are itchy. It's true. The illness also may come along with a runny nose and cough. But the good news is that chickenpox is a common illness for kids and most people get better by just resting like you do with a cold or the flu. And the really good news is that, thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, lots of kids don't get chickenpox at all. Kids who do get it, if they got the shot, often get less severe cases, which means they get better quicker.

What Happens When You Have Chickenpox?

Chickenpox may start out seeming like a cold: You might have a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a cough. But 1 to 2 days later, the rash begins, often in bunches of spots on the chest and face. From there it can spread out quickly over the entire body — sometimes the rash is even in a person's ears and mouth. The number of pox is different for everyone. Some people get just a few bumps; others are covered from head to toe.

At first, the rash looks like pinkish dots that quickly develop a small blister on top (a blister is a bump on your skin that fills up with fluid). After about 24 to 48 hours, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and the blisters begin to crust over.

Chickenpox blisters show up in waves, so after some begin to crust over, a new group of spots may appear. New chickenpox usually stop appearing by the seventh day, though they may stop as early as the third day. It usually takes 10–14 days for all the blisters to be scabbed over and then you are no longer contagious.

Besides the rash, someone with chickenpox might also have a stomachache, a fever, and may just not feel well.

How Does Chickenpox Spread?

Chickenpox is contagious, meaning that someone who has it can easily spread it to someone else. Someone who has chickenpox is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days that he or she is sick. That's usually about 1 to 2 days before the rash shows up. So you could be spreading around chickenpox without even knowing it!

A person who has chickenpox can pass it to someone else by coughing or sneezing. When he or she coughs, sneezes, laughs, and even talks, tiny drops come out of the mouth and nose. These drops are full of the chickenpox virus. It's easy for someone else to breathe in these drops or get them on his or her hands. Before you know it, the chickenpox virus has infected someone new.

Itchy Itchy, Scratchy Scratchy

If you are that unlucky person, how do you keep your chickenpox from driving you crazy? They itch, but you're not supposed to scratch them.

These tips can help you feel less itchy:

• Keep cool because heat and sweat will make you itch more. You might want to put a cool, wet washcloth on the really bad areas.
• Trim your fingernails, so if you do scratch, they won't tear your skin.
• Soak in a lukewarm bath. Adding some oatmeal to your bath water can help relieve the itching.
• Have your mom or dad help you apply calamine lotion, which soothes itching.

Scratching the blisters can tear your skin and leave scars. Scratching can also let germs in, and the blisters could get infected. If your fever goes higher and an area of your skin gets really red, warm, and painful, tell an adult right away. You'll need to see a doctor because you could have a skin infection.

While you have the chickenpox, a pain reliever like acetaminophen might help you feel better, but let your parents help you with this.

Do not take aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious illness in kids called Reye syndrome. Medicines and creams that may stop the itch can also be helpful.

It doesn't usually happen, but let your parents know if you feel especially bad. Sometimes, chickenpox leads to other, more serious illnesses.

Usually, you won't have any major problems and you'll get better in a week or two. And when all the blisters have scabs, you're not contagious anymore and you can go back to school! In a few days, the scabs will fall off. And once you've had chickenpox, it's unlikely you'll ever get it again.

Get a Shot, Avoid the Dots!

Not long ago, 3 million people got chickenpox each year in the United States. But now that kids receive the shot, fewer and fewer people get chickenpox. Have you had the chickenpox vaccine? You might not remember because it's often given at age 1. But you can get it when you're older, too. Ask your mom or dad if you've had yours. You'll be glad that you did if chickenpox starts making its way around your school!

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Food Allergies

"Hey, do you want some?" your friend asks as he offers you a mouthwatering homemade brownie. You're tempted by the delicious dessert, but then you see the crushed peanuts on top. Darn! You're allergic to peanuts. Maybe just one little bite?

Nope. If you have a food allergy, even a very tiny bit of that food can make you sick. It's better to say no thanks to the brownie and have a nut-free dessert. Lots of kids have food allergies - 2 million in the United States alone.

These foods cause the most food allergies:

• peanuts and other nuts
• seafood, such as shrimp
• milk, particularly cow's milk
• eggs
• soy
• wheat

What Is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies occur when your immune system makes a mistake. Normally, your immune (say: ih-myoon) system protects you from germs and disease. It does this by making antibodies that help you fight off bacteria, viruses, and other tiny organisms that can make you sick. But if you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly treats something in a certain food as if it's really dangerous to you.

The same sort of thing happens with any allergy, whether it's a medicine (like penicillin), pollen in the air (from flowers and trees), or a food, like peanuts. So the thing itself isn't harmful, but the way your body reacts to it is.

If a kid with peanut allergy would have eaten that peanut-topped brownie, here's what would happen. Antibodies to something in the food would cause mast cells (a type of immune system cell in the body) to release chemicals into the bloodstream. One of these chemicals is histamine (say: his-tuh-meen).

What's a Reaction Like?

The histamine then causes symptoms that affect a person's eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system, skin, and digestive system. A person with a food allergy could have a mild reaction - or it could be more severe. An allergic reaction could happen right away or a few hours after the person eats it. Some of the first signs that a person may be having an allergic reaction could be a runny nose, an itchy skin rash such as hives, or a tingling in the tongue or lips. Other signs include:

• tightness in the throat
• hoarse voice
• wheezing
• cough
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhea

In the most serious cases, a food allergy can cause anaphylaxis (say: ah-nuh-fuh-lak-sis). This is a sudden, severe allergic reaction in which several problems occur all at once and can involve the skin, breathing, digestion, the heart, and blood vessels. A person's blood pressure can drop, breathing tubes can narrow, and the tongue can swell.

People at risk for this kind of a reaction have to be very careful and need a plan for handling emergencies, when they might need to get special medicine to stop these symptoms from getting worse.

Many kids outgrow allergies to milk and eggs as they grow older. But severe allergies to foods like peanuts, certain kinds of fish, and shrimp often last a lifetime.

How Do You Know if You Have One?

Sometimes it's easy to figure out that a kid has a food allergy. He or she might get hives or have other problems after eating it. But other times, it's more of a mystery what's causing the problem. Most foods have more than one ingredient, so if a kid has shrimp with peanut sauce, what's causing the allergy - the peanut sauce or the shrimp?

Doctors believe that allergies could be hereditary, which means if your parent or other close relative has certain allergies like hay fever, you're more likely to develop the allergies. Some kids are born allergic to certain foods, whereas others develop food allergies over time. This may be due to someone's surroundings or changes in the body as they grow older.

Many people react to a certain food but are not actually allergic. For example, people with lactose intolerance (say: lak-tose in-tah-luh-runtz) get belly pain and diarrhea from milk and other dairy products. That doesn't mean they're allergic to milk. They don't feel good after drinking milk because their bodies can't properly break down the sugars found in milk.

What Will the Doctor Do?

If you think you may be allergic to a certain food, let your parents know. They will take you to the doctor to get it checked out.

If your doctor thinks you might have a food allergy, he or she will probably send you to see a doctor who specializes in allergies. The allergy specialist will ask you about past reactions and how long it takes between eating the food and getting the symptom, such as hives. The allergist also may ask about whether anyone else in your family has allergies or other allergy-related conditions, such as eczema or asthma.

The allergist may also want to do a skin test. This is a way of seeing how your body reacts to a very small amount of the food that is giving you trouble. The allergist will use a liquid extract of the food and, possibly, other common allergy-causing foods to see if you react to any of them. (A liquid extract is a liquid version of something that usually isn't liquid.)

The doctor will make a little scratch on your skin (it will be a quick pinch!) and drop a little of the liquid extract on the scratched spot or spots. Different extracts will go on the different scratch spots, so the doctor can see how your skin reacts to each substance. If you get a reddish, raised spot, it shows that you are allergic to that food or substance.

Some doctors may also take a blood sample and send it to a lab. That's where it will be mixed with some of the food or substance you may be allergic to and checked for certain antibodies.

It's important to remember that even though the doctor tests for food allergies by exposing you to a very small amount of the food, you should not try this at home! The best place for an allergy test is at the doctor's office, where they are specially trained and could give you medicine right away if you had a serious reaction.

How Are Food Allergies Treated?

There is no special medicine for food allergies. Some can be outgrown, and others a kid will have his or her whole life. The best treatment is simply to avoid the food itself and any foods or drinks that contain the food.

One way to figure that out is to read food labels. Any foods that might cause an allergic reaction will be listed near or in the ingredient list. Doctors and allergy organizations also can help by providing lists of safe foods and unsafe foods. Some people who are very sensitive may need to avoid foods just because they are made in the same factory that also makes their problem food. You may have seen some candy wrappers that say the candy was made in a factory that processes nuts, too.

Have a Plan

No matter how hard you try, you may eat the wrong thing by accident. Stay calm and follow your emergency plan. What's an emergency plan? Before a slipup happens, it's a good idea to create a plan with your doctor and parents. The plan should spell out what to do, who to tell, and which medicines to take, if you have a reaction.

This is especially important if you have a food allergy that can cause a serious reaction (anaphylaxis). For serious reactions, people may need a shot of epinephrine (say: eh-pih-neh-frin) with them. This kind of epinephrine injection comes in an easy-to-carry container that looks like a pen. You and your parent can work out whether you carry this or someone at school keeps it on hand for you. You'll also need to identify a person who will give you the shot.

You might want to have antihistamine medication on hand as well, though if anaphylaxis is occurring, this medicine is not a substitute for epinephrine. After receiving an epinephrine shot, you would need to go to the hospital or a medical facility, where they would keep an eye on you and make sure the reaction is under control.

Living With Food Allergies

Having a food allergy is a drag, but it doesn't need to slow a kid down. If you have nut, milk, or egg allergies, we've created cut-and-carry cards that can help you spot problem ingredients in foods. Your mom, dad, and other adults also can help you steer clear of reactions.

But what if something you really like turns out to be on your "do not eat" list? Today, so many people have food allergies that companies have created lots of good substitutes for favorite foods - everything from dairy-free mashed potatoes to wheat-free chocolate chunk cookies!

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